The 2026 Isuzu MU-X off-road SUV range has received a significant mechanical update with the introduction of a fresh 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, which is now arriving in dealerships nationwide. While the exterior styling and cabin equipment remain largely unchanged, the new powertrain option marks the most notable enhancement in this mid-cycle revision.
The newly introduced 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel produces 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, paired with a modern eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. This engine replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre diesel, which delivered 110kW and 350Nm and was paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to the improved outputs and updated transmission, the 2.2-litre MU-X now offers a towing capacity of 3500kg across the range, a figure that matches the larger and more powerful 3.0-litre variants still available in the line-up.
The new 2.2-litre engine isn’t entirely unfamiliar—it has already been on sale in Thailand for about a year. Alongside its improved outputs, it incorporates modern stop-start technology, designed to cut fuel consumption by automatically shutting the engine down when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights. This feature makes the engine more efficient in everyday driving situations where idling times can add up.
The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine remains a mainstay in the MU-X family as well as in its ute sibling, the D-Max. Producing 140kW and 450Nm, the larger engine continues to be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2026 update, it too now benefits from stop-start technology, helping to trim fuel usage and reduce emissions. However, choosing the 3.0-litre still comes with a $2000 price premium compared to the new 2.2-litre option, giving buyers a clearer distinction between power and value.
As part of this refresh, Isuzu has also streamlined the MU-X range. The two-wheel-drive versions fitted with the 3.0-litre engine have been discontinued, leaving customers to choose either the new 2.2-litre or the 3.0-litre in four-wheel-drive form. On the other hand, availability of the smaller engine has been expanded. Previously confined to the more affordable LS-M and LS-U trims, the 2.2-litre powertrain can now be selected in the flagship LS-T model for the first time. This makes it possible for buyers who want the highest level of equipment to pair it with a more affordable and efficient engine, rather than being locked into the bigger, pricier 3.0-litre diesel.
The 2026 MU-X update may not bring dramatic changes to styling or equipment, but the addition of the 2.2-litre engine, combined with the spread of stop-start technology, enhances efficiency, flexibility, and towing capability. With these improvements, Isuzu is positioning the MU-X to stay competitive in Australia’s ever-demanding SUV market.